Přeštice: Baroque Church and Regional History

You can get to know Přeštice through several different aspects of the town: the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary defines the townscape, the Dům historie Přešticka focuses on regional crafts and everyday objects, and an educational trail offers twelve stops for longer walks and cycling trips. There is also the Přeštický kanec event, traditionally held in October. This gives you a specific choice when planning your trip: architecture, regional history, outdoor activities or a seasonal festival.

The Baroque Church in the Townscape

The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is a prominent landmark in the landscape around Přeštice and also the largest Baroque church in the Czech Republic outside Prague. It was built between 1750 and 1775 to plans by K. I. Dientzenhofer. Its prominent role in the townscape is therefore tied to a specific place in architectural history: its size, style and construction period make the church a clear highlight for anyone who enjoys discovering historic buildings while travelling. Visits are possible by prior arrangement. If you would like to include the church in your travel plans, take this requirement into account and arrange your visit in advance.

Crafts and Everyday History at the Museum

The Dům historie Přešticka offers a different way to explore local and regional history. The first floor focuses on crafts and trades that are typical of the region. On display are historic tools, equipment, products and household objects; vivid demonstrations of traditional craft techniques complement the exhibits. You can encounter both objects from working and everyday life and traditional craft techniques. This is a distinct focus alongside the church’s architecture: instead of a single building, the museum introduces you to several aspects of regional work and domestic history. If you are also interested in crafts and everyday culture during your trip, the museum offers a fitting subject.

An Educational Trail for Longer Excursions

The educational trail around Přeštice has twelve stops and is suitable for longer walks and cycling trips. It opened on 26 April 2015 at 2 p.m. at the Evangelical parish in Přeštice. If you would like to combine your stay with a longer excursion on foot or by bike, the trail offers a distinct option alongside visits to the church and museum. It is therefore different from a stay focused mainly on architecture and exhibitions.

Přeštický kanec and Local Art

The Přeštický kanec adds a traditional event that takes place at a specific time of year: it is traditionally held on a Saturday in October in Přeštice’s market square. It features slaughter feasts, competitions and singing; meat products are also sold. Unlike the cultural sites that are a permanent feature of the town, this experience is tied to a date in the annual calendar. If you are planning to travel specifically for the festival, check the exact date in advance, as the day of the event can vary within October.

Two ceramic pigs stand on a plinth in the grounds of the former agricultural cooperative on the main road from Přeštice to Klatovy; they were created by Jaroslav Podmol. The work adds a distinctive local artistic touch and differs in material, subject and authorship from the Baroque and craft themes of the other attractions. Alongside the church and museum, Přeštice is also home to a single work of art by a clearly identified artist.

Discover more destinations: Střelice U Stoda, Kbel, Zemětice, Nekvasovy, Milínov, Ptenín, Útušice, Letiny

Return to the regional travel overview: Plzeň-Jih.